Yard Drainage Solution: Dry Well for Pooling Water

Flood Water Pooling: Dry Well Installation Without Pipe Drainage

Property on downhill slope pools 3-5 inches of water in 4'×4' area at rear property line during heavy rain (1"+/24hr). Owner wants solution without PVC pipe drainage or neighbor coordination.

Proposed Solution: Dry Well (Infiltration Pit)

Dig 3'W × 3'L × 3'D hole (deeper than proposed 2'), line sides with landscape fabric, fill with 3"-6" river rock (not pea stone). River rock provides 40% void space vs 25% for pea stone, storing more water for infiltration.

Why This Works

• Creates underground reservoir for 27 cubic feet of water (≈200 gallons)
• Rock void space holds water while it percolates into subsoil
• Fabric prevents soil migration into rock voids
• Gravel path surface allows direct infiltration

Design Considerations

• Verify subsoil permeability (perk test if unsure)
• Keep 10+ feet from foundation
• Overflow path needed for extreme events
• Not suitable for high water table or clay hardpan

Alternative if Infiltration Fails

If dry well doesn't drain fast enough: French drain to daylight, sump pump, or rain garden with deep-rooted plants. But dry well is simplest non-pipe solution.